When suffering from sinus congestion, it is important to look out for ways to get instant relief because a runny nose, headaches, and difficulty in breathing can interfere with the regular chores. Home remedies for nasal congestion are quite effective, and knowing which foods trigger inflammation can help by avoiding their intake to manage sinusitis. Some foods can increase the risk of nasal congestion in case of inflammation.

Here are some home remedies for nasal congestion in the form of foods to avoid:

1. Artificial sweeteners

Fructose or sucrose, also known as processed sugar, usually the main content of most desserts like pastries, chocolate bars, fruit juices, and sodas, should be avoided.

2. Saturated fats

Pizza and cheese contain saturated fats, as do meat products, full-fat dairy products, pasta meals, and grain-based desserts. When consumed in great amounts, they can cause fat tissues to accumulate.

3. Sodium

Fast food, canned foods, and processed soup mixes contain MSG or monosodium glutamate. The same holds for Asian foods, soy sauce, and salad dressings, and all these should be avoided by people with nasal congestion.

4. Gluten

Avoid the consumption of gluten, which are found in rye, barley, wheat, and dairy foods.

Refined carbs like processed white flour, mashed potatoes, and cereals may also cause inflammation.

5. Casein

Milk and other dairy foods can typically thicken mucus, making it difficult to come out of the system, resulting in acute congestion. Whole milk not only thickens mucus but also increases its production. Additionally, ice cream also has casein that leads to nasal congestion.

6. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are nutritious, but they are known to worsen allergies and boost histamine production. Also, the acid content may be a problem for those susceptible to acid reflux.

7. Alcohol

Alcohol, wine, in particular, has inflammation-boosting properties. Wine also contains a histamine compound, leading to nasal tissue swelling, and beer and whiskey contain gluten that may also pose a problem.

8. Red meats

Red meat is high in proteins and results in increased mucus accumulation in the body, worsening the symptoms of nasal congestion.